Noncirrhotic portal hypertension associated with didanosine: a case report and literature review

Jpn J Infect Dis. 2012;65(1):61-5.

Abstract

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) has recently been reported as a liver complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and has been found to be associated with exposure to didanosine. Here, we describe the case of an HIV-infected patient with portal hypertension who initially presented with massive ascites and portal vein thrombosis. The patient's HIV-1 infection was well-controlled with highly active antiretroviral therapy (lamivudine/didanosine plus nevirapine) for 3 years since its diagnosis in 2007. He had no history of alcoholism, drug abuse, or liver diseases. An extensive work-up for other possible causes of liver disease was performed, but the results were inconclusive. In addition to reporting this case, we have reviewed the literature on didanosine-related NCPH and analyzed the findings of 61 similar previously reported cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Ascites / pathology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Didanosine / administration & dosage
  • Didanosine / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / chemically induced*
  • Hypertension, Portal / pathology
  • Lamivudine / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Nevirapine / administration & dosage
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Portal Vein / pathology
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Lamivudine
  • Nevirapine
  • Didanosine